A large-scale clean-up operation has begun in Kidlington, where an estimated 21,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste is set to be removed from a site linked to organised criminal activity.
The operation, led by the Environment Agency and carried out by Acumen Waste Services Ltd, will see commercial and household waste—including tyres, shredded plastic and general refuse—excavated and transported away over a period expected to last around six months.
Specialist teams will remove between 15 and 30 lorry loads of waste each day as part of the effort to restore the site, which spans approximately 8,000 square metres—an area larger than the pitch at Wembley Stadium.
The site, located near the A34, was shut down by Environment Agency officers in October 2025, preventing further illegal dumping.
Anna Burns, Environment Agency Area Director for Thames, said:
“Today marks a major step in clearing the Kidlington site and restoring the area for local people.
“We are working to remove this waste as quickly as possible while continuing our investigation to bring those responsible to justice. Waste criminals should be in no doubt – this type of crime will not go unpunished.”
The clean-up forms part of a wider national crackdown on waste crime, with authorities targeting organised groups responsible for illegal dumping. To date, four arrests have been made in connection with the Kidlington site.
Emma Reynolds, Environment Secretary, said:
“The illegal waste dump in Kidlington is disgraceful. I have seen the immense scale of the site, which I am proud to say the government is now clearing up.
“There has already been significant progress, with four arrests made in connection to the site.
“Our wider Waste Crime Action Plan is cracking down on waste criminals by giving the Environment Agency new police style-powers and using new technology, like specialised drones, to prevent this criminality in the future.”
Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, added:
“It is a relief to everyone to see work begin in earnest to get this eyesore removed. A huge amount of planning and preparation has taken place between all agencies after action was taken to secure the site in late 2025.
“We all look forward to the day when all the waste has been removed and this corner of Oxfordshire can be restored to normality for people and wildlife alike.”
The Environment Agency continues its investigation and has urged anyone with information to come forward as efforts to tackle waste crime intensify nationwide.
